Oxylipin and mitochondrion probes to track yeast sexual cells

Can J Microbiol. 2008 Jun;54(6):450-5. doi: 10.1139/W08-035.

Abstract

When oxylipin and mitochondrion probes, i.e., fluorescing antibodies specific for 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH oxylipins) and rhodamine 123 (Rh123), were added to yeast cells, these probes accumulated mainly in the sexual cells (i.e., both associated with ascospores) and not in the vegetative cells. This suggests increased mitochondrial activity in asci, since 3-OH oxylipins are mitochondrially produced and it is known that Rh123 accumulates selectively in functional mitochondria that maintain a high transmembrane potential (Delta Psi m). This increased activity may be necessary for the production and effective release of the many spores found in single-celled asci. These results may be useful in the rapid identification of asci and in yeast sexual spore mechanics, which may find application in yeast systematics as well as hydro-, aero-, and nano-technologies.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cytophotometry / methods*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / analysis
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Mitochondria / chemistry
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Molecular Probes / analysis*
  • Molecular Probes / metabolism
  • Oxylipins / analysis*
  • Oxylipins / metabolism
  • Rhodamine 123 / analysis
  • Rhodamine 123 / metabolism
  • Saccharomycetales / chemistry
  • Saccharomycetales / cytology*
  • Saccharomycetales / metabolism
  • Spores, Fungal / chemistry
  • Spores, Fungal / cytology*
  • Spores, Fungal / metabolism

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Molecular Probes
  • Oxylipins
  • Rhodamine 123